It is very common that I get inquiries about if I know any estimators that could be hired. I never give names of estimators of HCSS customers. It is a policy of mine. But I can give advice on hiring an estimator and here are some pointers that you are probably not going to find anywhere else. First, if you are serious about hiring an estimator you have to accept the fact that good ones are hard to find. If you think that the estimator is just another position in your company and doesn’t have to be “courted” stop here because the rest of this post is just a waste of your time. Here are some key points that I have observed that might assist you in finding a good estimator.

  1. LinkedIn is a good place to advertise for an estimator. To that point I see forward-looking companies having a presence in social media especially LinkedIn. Estimators will be on LinkedIn and the younger ones appreciate companies that make an effort to post regularly. If I was starting my career today I would want to be a forward-thinking company with a good marketing plan and that includes social media.
  2. Put your best foot forward in approaching a potential estimator. Work conditions are a priority to an estimator. You show him or her a dirty office full of noise and crowded conditions I can guarantee any offer will not be accepted. The office should be well lighted and all furniture more than an afterthought. I remember consulting with a company with $35 office chairs and it almost crippled me after a week. I ended up bringing my task chair from home.
  3. Estimators want to know that your company has made an effort to assist the estimator in saving time. This would include multiple monitors and good takeoff software. Takeoff software is just not an option these days and be sure they get good training on optimizing the software.
  4. Young people today are not going to work weekends and late nights. And there are plenty of jobs where they don’t have to. Offer to compensate for overtime hours (and be sure they take them) assuming they are salaried. Tell the prospective estimator that if overtime becomes common then you will find a way to solve this issue. Be involved in the estimator’s personal life to a degree is another way you are letting an estimator know you are serious about keeping them at your company.
  5. As an estimator who knows a lot of estimators here is a basic fact about us. We tend to change companies probably more so than other professionals. Companies keep good estimators and ensure that they stay with a variety of incentives. I believe when a good estimator walks out the door (quits) a company loses a multi-million dollar asset that is very hard to replace. They are not just another employee – they are key team players and successful companies reward them as such.

My final advice. You want to hire a good estimator? You are only going to be successful if you distinguish yourself from other companies out there and really it is not that hard to do if you make the effort.